The cabin was too small for all of them.
Sasha's father stood frozen in the doorway, staring at the woman in his arms. Elena was barely conscious, her weight slumped against Sasha, her breath shallow and rapid. Machines beeped. Maya's magic flickered, struggling to keep her stable.
Daniel moved.
He crossed the room in seconds despite his cane, despite his broken body, despite everything. He took Elena from Sasha like she was made of glass, like she was the most precious thing in the world, and lowered her gently onto the worn couch by the fire.
"Elena." His voice broke. "Elena, I'm here. I'm here."
Her eyes fluttered open. Found his face. And she smiled—weak, exhausted, but real.
"Daniel." She lifted a trembling hand to his cheek. "You're alive."
"I'm alive. You're alive. We're—" He
